Hello my fellow holiday revelers. Busy, busy..and the usual chaos over here. I assume you all know Beatrix Potter’s The Tailor of Gloucester? The part where silk thread and time are nearly run out?
Actual waistcoat from the Victoria & Albert museum that Beatrix Potter copied exactly for her tailor’s vest…”I have been delighted to find I may draw some most beautiful 18th century clothes at the South Kensington Museum. I had been looking at them for a long time in an inconvenient dark corner of the Goldsmith’s Court, but had no idea they could be taken out of the case. The clerk says I could have any article put on a table in one of the offices, which will be most convenient.”
(Letter to Norman Warne, 27th March 1903). More here
Perhaps I’m drawn to embroidered waistcoats because of Beatrix Potter’s tale. Or my ineptitude at embroidery magnifies my awe of such fine stitches. I intend to attach these 18th century embroidered vest panels to new material and possibly frame them….
But time for sewing and other projects is quickly running out as Christmas and a just started bath project (and a dusty home) need my full attention…
Here’s a peek at the gathered materials and inspiration. Hopefully all the materials will fall into shape and my Christmas guests (thankfully my forgiving relatives) will not have to hike upstairs to use the facilities. I tend to like the un-perfect and unfinished…hope all will get pulled together and my home will look a fraction as good as the photo below!
Happy holidays all…and good luck with those last minute projects. I’m hoping the mice come through for me!
Top and bottom photos from Art and Decoration June 2011
Photography Laurent Durand et Christophe Rouffio
I’m drawn to Beatrix Potter as well so if she’s interested in waistcoats and lovely silk thread then so am I…such beautiful images..
It’s the beginnings of a perfect bathroom design..love the gray stone…so gorgeous…
best,
maureen
Merry Christmas!!! I think that your new bathroom will be more than gorgeous. The look and feel of early 20th c. bathrooms is one of my most favorite. Good luck with the installation. And Happy New Year!!! Thank you for all of your wonderful posts of the last year. Blessings. Mary
Trish WHAT a delicious melange of goodies
Love the bathroom always a favourite of mine, the waistcoat is exquisite ( do you think they are clover flowers ) and the last by the fire is heavenly Im sure your honeycomb and pineapple bathroom will be a dream enjyou the preparations # Love Fay xxx
Thanks for the post, all Beatrix Potter books and films are a great hit with us, and we just love The Tailor of Gloucester. Merry Christmas and a a Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas, Trish. And, much happiness in our New Year.
xx’s
Beautiful images, and your bath project looks fabulous.
Hav e anise week.
Teresa
xoxo
Beautiful, beautiful! Very lovely video-clip (I do not know ‘The Tailor of Gloucester’, being probably the only one!), so, I really enjoy watching it, several times! Merci beaucoup for sharing it with us!
But I think that I know why you’re drawn to embroidered cloths…..It is something magic in them, stitch by stitch…
And to frame your beautiful waistcoat – just simply brilliant.
Best and warmest wishes for a rather stress-less last week before Christmas. I can imagine that your home will be wonderful!
xxxkarin
I’m sure with your vision and a little help from the mice your guests will be overwhelmed. I’m absolutely in love with your inspiration and plans. Merry Christmas, Trish. XO, Mona
Beautiful vest Trish and I like what you want to do with it just don’t put it under glass. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and the best of New Years!
P.S. I didn’t win either of those Fortuny pieces at auction…they went sky high!
Hugs!
Debra
The BP film was just grand. Thank you + adore the bath picks. Merry Christmas, dear heart. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
So true about the correlation of waist coats and Beatrix Potter. I loved seeing these pictures with all the beautiful details. Your bathroom looks like it’s going to be a stunner!
I say as long as the toilet flushes and the faucet works, you’re guests will think it’s a big step up from climbing steps to the loo. Your tale reminds me of the Moira in greek mythology. As a lover of threads, this always appealed to me.
Here it’s the same-oh: fired the electrician; my capable carpenter had to retire because of health issues; Kansas winter is on its way and NOT the time to cut a huge gaping hole in back of house for the new vent. We huddle in the basement for cooking and the working bathrooms are on the second floor. We are the living embodiment of Upstairs, Downstairs.
Wishing you and all of the Clan on Trouvais a most lovely holiday with working plumbing! phd
Oh Trish, what a beautifully orchestrated post. The waist coat against the framed document is too lovely. The bath looks like it is coming along beautifully as well, and yes I know dust, except mine is flour dust…. I have been baking up a storm, literally, a flour storm in my kitchen…helping here and there, and still trying to keep myself grounded as to the true meaning of the season. Your visit today was such a needed respite. I wish you a lovely Christmas with all of the trappings of everyday life and love of this beautiful season. N.xoxxo
Love the brown with lavender. Rich and pretty. Just what we all want to be.
You had me at the lilac chair in the bathroom..! Love what you picked for your new powder………. Can’t wait to see xo Maryanne
Trish,
Love the vest. The detail work on it is so beautiful. I too wish I could embroider with some kind of perfection, alas, no patience. I’m a huge Beatrix Potter fan and was intrigued to read your bit about her painting from the museum’s vest.
Love your bathroom details. Be sure to share the finished room.
Merry Christmas and may 2012 be a good year for us all.
Karen
Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. I adored reading the Tailor of Gloucester growing up in 60s and 70s Britain where things were a bit grim. It took me back to a gentler time, where beautiful things were more appreciated…
I love that bathroom drapery! So lush and romantic.
Merry Merry to you,
Keri
What an absolutely beautiful post!!! What a marvelous bathroom in the first photo! I’m sure yours will be just as spectacular.
Merry Christmas Trish, and a warm, wonderful New Year to you. Thanks for all the amazing and inspiring posts this year!
bisous
Kit
I am always drawn to Beatrix Potter. Thank you for sharing the charming clip. The waistcoat is beautiful and the details are exquisite.
I send you warm wishes for a lovely and Merry Christmas with all the joys of the season. Merry Christmas. XO
Hi Trish,
Wonderful Bathroom to relax after the Christmas rush.
We wishing you and your family a warm Merry Christmas
Johan, Trinidad and Martin
Oh yesterday a bathroom like this would have been divine….just to relax a bit.
Hope you had a great Christmas.. xx